Photos of next gen iPhone parts show a new protective shield and vibrator assembly

New photos of what may be the next generation iPhone components show what could be a protective shield that would sit underneath the main digitizer and LCD assembly, and potentially add additional protection to components such as the logic board. The photos come by way of Nowhereelse.fr, and also show a vibrator assembly different from what is currently used in the iPhone 4S and CDMA iPhone 4.

The picture above shows a couple of components that could surface in the next generation iPhone. While most are components we've already seen in previous leaks, there are some new additions. Most notably is the appearance of a new protective shield. While the current iPhone 4S and previous iPhone models have used individual shields to cover the dock connector and cable connectors, this shield is simliar to what you can already find in the 4th generation iPod touch.

Nowhereelse.fr is claiming that this shield will attach to the back of the display assembly. While that may be possible, a more logical assumption would be that it will sit below the display if the next gen iPhone opens from the front in order to protect internal components. The iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 both open from the back while older models such as the iPhone 3G and 3GS open from the front. It's possible that Apple may go back to the old method of opening the device from the front but I don't see that being likely unless they go with a design simliar to the current iPod touch.

Also of note is the vibrator assembly in the photo. It lines up more with the type of assembly you can find in the GSM variant of the iPhone 4. The CDMA version and iPhone 4S both contain a different type of rotational assembly. Anyone who has owned both a GSM iPhone 4 and an iPhone 4S can notice the difference in vibration between the two. The iPhone 4S is not as harsh and has a smoother vibration due to the construction of the assembly. I can't see Apple returning to the older assembly type unless it's to save space inside the device.

While these parts could end up being legitimate, it seems likely that they may be earlier prototype parts that may not have actually made the final cut.

Well, if they do it in colors, no one will care if it's a rehashed iPhone 4. It will be the second coming of Jesus if it's in a bunch of colors. Pink will probably be the most popular for both genders. :-)

Really hoping this is not what the new iPhone will look like. Some things I would like to point out---iPad Mini...why release that when normally they release iPods along with iPhones? iPhone would blacken out the iPad Mini news. (Unless it's one of the one more things, if they still do that). Also...they need to release a new iPod Touch. Kind of miss the way things used to run.
But here is what is the most important (to me at least). I believe that a phone, after only released once a year, should be changed up a bit. Some people argue about "Did they redesign the Mac etc". No cuz I mean, how else is there to redesign a laptop or computer? Phones go through many different cycles. I personally hate the iPhone 4 Design. But I got one because I needed quality and sexy and sheik and smooth OPERATING phone! Don't care for the many bells & whistles. But a new redesigned iPhone should happen. Two years with the same design is just enough. But to make the same shape only longer is boredom. I would love it to have the form of the 3GS...maybe some day they will go back and do some kind of classical design. Ha. But I just won't update to the new iPhone if there is no redesign. Definitely agree the UI needs refreshing. LTE is not needed for me. I mean, I am not going to pay Verizon even more for their tierd crap and lose my grandfather unlimited just yet. Pathetic. Hopefully Apple makes their own (affordable) payment type of usage system...hahaha. ;-) And how these people are getting these parts without being murdered by Apple is beyond me. So I am really hoping they are old prototypes.

That's exactly my point. The two years in a row that Apple did the iPhone 4 design, a handset got "lost" at a bar and Apple descended upon someone's home with their security team to interrogate and ransack people's homes looking for the phone. There hasn't been any security force deployment or take down legal threats to anyone posting any of these so called "leaked parts". And the renders are just speculation based on the "leaked parts". Over at Tech Buffalo, there is an article with a pic of what appears to be an iPhone 4S on top of an iPhone 5 showing the smaller dock connector , speculated to be "mag safe". That iPhone 5 in the pic is wider and not thinner than the 4S. I have a hard time believing that Apple would go with an iPhone 4 design for a third time, with a bigger screen, ports moved around, and a smaller dock connector, and expect there to be any excitement around that. I seriously doubt the authenticity of any of these leaks or renders and I really hope I'm right because if not, Apple goofed big team and the hey day of Steve Jobs is truly gone forever if these renders are true.

Exactly. Anyone (well whomever can) can make a new iphone case just as they did last year...but those were all thrown out I am sure. lol. Last release Apple received backlash for having the same design....could they really release same design except a taller phone? Ick and boring....but even if they should improve on what is a perfect design...well it's a phone...and phones, just as cars, are looked as being trendy and need to be refreshed IMO (in my opinion). Ok so maybe they will come out with a 3rd year of iphone 4 shape/form and maybe that is because people will get over it since they will get their LTE and bigger screen(?) but after that no more iphone 4 design. Sheesh. lol. I just can't wait until they show us what they got. And if they release the same phone just bigger then hey I will be ok with that because I am ok with having another year with my iPhone 4. Any other phone and I would update it....never kept a phone after 2 yrs. iPhone makes it that much worth it. Reliable, fast, smooth and has galores of unique cases for it. Yes cases may hide the phone, but it still matters in design thank you very much just for the worth-the-purchase thought. My case has a rounded out edge which as I have said, sort of mimmicks that if the rounder older iPhone gens. I love my iPod Touch 4gen. It's way too thin to begin with (batt suckkkks) but it's still a better feel than my flat iPhone 4.

People think Apple didn't know about these leaks. That's ridiculous. They anticipate and embrace these "leaks". Apple knows its time for something new, this is/was all planned out. And the iPhone isn't just for "grandmas and soccer moms" the iPhone is for everyone and that's why it was designed like that. It fits everyone's needs in certain ways. My guess is that it's gonna be completely redesigned, a mix between 3GS and 4S. With the metal alloy back and larger screen and LTE. It's gonna be awesome and I can't wait, Apple has never failed us, at least in my opinion. Regardless of if Steve jobs is around or not, he didn't even do it by himself he was an incredible innovater though and everything happens for a reason he can on this earth and did what he was meant to do and he left a huge legacy and change history. And he left behind an incredible company that will continue to innovate. Other competing companies will never beat apple